| Hiking and mountain biking western Nebraska trails... |
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The growing sport of mountain biking is relatively new, and differs from regular bicycling in several ways:
1. Mountain bikes are smaller, with a stronger frame, a more upright handlebar, a wider range of gears, a
suspension system for the wheels, and tires that are knobby, wider, have a higher profile, and are more
durable. 2. Generally, mountain biking is done off-road on rugged trails or over rugged terrain. 3.
Mountain biking requires a greater degree of skill than just riding a normal bicycle down a city sidewalk,
requiring greater mastery in cornering, jumping, balance, and trail reading.
Equipment - Mountain bikers share many of the same trails as hikers, and in the Panhandle of Nebraska,
equestrians also share many of these trails. While some of the gear used by mountain bikers is different
that that of hikers, much is similar. Both often used backpacks. Both need water, maps, a compass,
sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, a "space" blanket, food, first aid kits, and more. Most mountain
bikers will wear a helmet, and many wear other protective gear as well. A careful biker will also pack an air
pump, extra tubes, a patch kit, a chain tool, and other tools to make repairs along the way. These are
important, because bikers can move faster than hikers, thus covering much greater distances. A
breakdown, many miles out on a trail, could mean a very long walk back.
Hazards - Equipment breakdowns are not the only problems bikers may encounter. Accidents in the
rugged terrain do occur occasionally. Although quite rare, unfriendly wildlife and rattlesnakes can be
another risk. Insects can be annoying, and in the case of ticks or mosqitoes carrying disease, they can be
hazardous. Inclement weather is another danger, especially if it produces floods, hail, or lightning.
Sunburn and dehydration are always perils in hot weather, and if a biker is out in cold weather, frostbite
and hyposthermia are risks. Biking solo may be fun, but it can also be a gamble. Sustaining a serious
injury in a remote area, could be life-threatening. A cell phone may help, if one is conscious to use it. But,
cell phones do not work in all remote areas. So, biking in pairs or groups is normally safer.
Types of Mountain Biking in The Panhandle - While there are a variety of mountain biking categories, most
of the opportunities in Nebraska's Panhandle would fall into the cross country category. There are some
freeriders in rugged areas, and there are some urban mountain bikers in towns.
Caring For Our Trails - In some parts of the country, mountain bikers have faced opposition, due to
ecological concerns. Advocacy groups have formed to organize bikers and supporters to educate new
bikers, land owners, and others on safe and responsible use of trails. The International Mountain Biking
Association has established Rules of the Trail. And, they promote trail work days to properly develop new
trails, remove storm-downed trees, and do regular trail maintenance.
While mountain bikes do not damage trails like ATV's, or even horses, they can do some damage, if not
used properly. Riding before a trail has had time to dry properly is irresponsible and damaging. Bikers
need to observe the same concerns for the environment that hikers do, especially in regards to starting
fires. Packing trash and waste out is another important responsibility.
Resources To Learn More - This is just a small summary of the growing sport of mountain biking. If you are
planning to do any mountain biking in Dawes or Sioux counties, your best source of information, advice,
equipment, and repairs is Herb Petersen, at the Mountain Mania Bicycle Shop, 361 Main Street, in Chadron.
Herb is a walking encylcopedia of information and practical advice on mountain biking and area trails,
having been instrumental in setting up many trails, and creating area trail maps. You can reach Herb by
phone at: (308) 432-3653, or toll-free at 1-800-257-3653. You can also learn a great deal more about
mountain biking, by clicking on the IMBA website below:
www.imba.com
1. Mountain bikes are smaller, with a stronger frame, a more upright handlebar, a wider range of gears, a
suspension system for the wheels, and tires that are knobby, wider, have a higher profile, and are more
durable. 2. Generally, mountain biking is done off-road on rugged trails or over rugged terrain. 3.
Mountain biking requires a greater degree of skill than just riding a normal bicycle down a city sidewalk,
requiring greater mastery in cornering, jumping, balance, and trail reading.
Equipment - Mountain bikers share many of the same trails as hikers, and in the Panhandle of Nebraska,
equestrians also share many of these trails. While some of the gear used by mountain bikers is different
that that of hikers, much is similar. Both often used backpacks. Both need water, maps, a compass,
sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, a "space" blanket, food, first aid kits, and more. Most mountain
bikers will wear a helmet, and many wear other protective gear as well. A careful biker will also pack an air
pump, extra tubes, a patch kit, a chain tool, and other tools to make repairs along the way. These are
important, because bikers can move faster than hikers, thus covering much greater distances. A
breakdown, many miles out on a trail, could mean a very long walk back.
Hazards - Equipment breakdowns are not the only problems bikers may encounter. Accidents in the
rugged terrain do occur occasionally. Although quite rare, unfriendly wildlife and rattlesnakes can be
another risk. Insects can be annoying, and in the case of ticks or mosqitoes carrying disease, they can be
hazardous. Inclement weather is another danger, especially if it produces floods, hail, or lightning.
Sunburn and dehydration are always perils in hot weather, and if a biker is out in cold weather, frostbite
and hyposthermia are risks. Biking solo may be fun, but it can also be a gamble. Sustaining a serious
injury in a remote area, could be life-threatening. A cell phone may help, if one is conscious to use it. But,
cell phones do not work in all remote areas. So, biking in pairs or groups is normally safer.
Types of Mountain Biking in The Panhandle - While there are a variety of mountain biking categories, most
of the opportunities in Nebraska's Panhandle would fall into the cross country category. There are some
freeriders in rugged areas, and there are some urban mountain bikers in towns.
Caring For Our Trails - In some parts of the country, mountain bikers have faced opposition, due to
ecological concerns. Advocacy groups have formed to organize bikers and supporters to educate new
bikers, land owners, and others on safe and responsible use of trails. The International Mountain Biking
Association has established Rules of the Trail. And, they promote trail work days to properly develop new
trails, remove storm-downed trees, and do regular trail maintenance.
While mountain bikes do not damage trails like ATV's, or even horses, they can do some damage, if not
used properly. Riding before a trail has had time to dry properly is irresponsible and damaging. Bikers
need to observe the same concerns for the environment that hikers do, especially in regards to starting
fires. Packing trash and waste out is another important responsibility.
Resources To Learn More - This is just a small summary of the growing sport of mountain biking. If you are
planning to do any mountain biking in Dawes or Sioux counties, your best source of information, advice,
equipment, and repairs is Herb Petersen, at the Mountain Mania Bicycle Shop, 361 Main Street, in Chadron.
Herb is a walking encylcopedia of information and practical advice on mountain biking and area trails,
having been instrumental in setting up many trails, and creating area trail maps. You can reach Herb by
phone at: (308) 432-3653, or toll-free at 1-800-257-3653. You can also learn a great deal more about
mountain biking, by clicking on the IMBA website below:
www.imba.com
| Mountain Biking Tips A collection of tips for mountain bikers |